"The craftsmanship is exquisite," Lan Si said with satisfaction, nodding as he stowed away the parts of the semi-automatic pistol and the reloading tool into his soul guide. He then took out a pouch of gold soul coins and smiled, "Uncle Otto, this is the payment my teacher gave you."
Of course, Lan Si couldn't tell Otto the truth about the gun parts. To avoid any trouble, he made up a story about a peculiar teacher and even gave a deposit of 30 gold soul coins, claiming that his teacher needed these parts.
Since Otto knew Lan Si was young and wouldn't be familiar with such complex items or have that much money, he happily agreed, thinking Lan Si had found a high-level soul master as a mentor.
"Haha, there's no need for that. The deposit last time was already enough to cover the costs. As for a little extra for my labor, just consider it my gratitude for your teacher taking you in as his apprentice," Otto said, shaking his head with a smile.
"Uncle Otto, you know how my teacher is. If he finds out you didn't accept the payment, he'll scold me," Lan Si insisted, pushing the pouch toward Otto. In reality, Otto would have been at a loss if he didn't take the money. The cost of the iron essence alone exceeded the 30 gold soul coins, not to mention labor. Fifty gold soul coins would be more reasonable.
"You stubborn kid," Otto chuckled, shaking his head as he took out a sheathed short sword from behind the counter. "Here's the short sword that wasn't finished last time. I added some iron essence and completed it. It's yours now."
"Uncle Otto, I..." Lan Si felt warmth fill his heart, especially as Otto added, "No matter what, I just want you to stay safe. And if you ever tire of the outside world, come back to this forge. It will always be your home."
"I will," Lan Si said seriously, taking the short sword and heading out of the forge.
Returning to the academy, Lan Si swiftly went back to his room, closed the windows and doors, assembled the gun, and began making bullets using the gunpowder he had been preparing over the past few months.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, Lan Si awoke at his desk, surrounded by the 20 bullets he'd made and the semi-automatic pistol already assembled. He smiled with satisfaction.
With this weapon, he would be able to defend himself against soul masters below the 40th rank. The semi-automatic pistol was incredibly powerful, and when infused with the soul power he cultivated using the Sacred Universe Technique combined with the Five Thunder Heart technique, it could pierce steel plates several centimeters thick.
In the future, if he could craft a Barrett sniper rifle, he could even take down a Soul Sage or a Soul Douluo if they were caught off guard. And with enough cultivation, even a Title Douluo might not be safe from a well-placed shot.
He loaded a bullet into the chamber, and memories from his previous life at the shooting range surged back. His instinct was to pull the trigger, but he restrained himself, realizing that firing a gun in the academy dorm would draw attention.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Yu Xiaogang's voice came from outside, "Lan Si, are you up? It's time to go."
"I'm coming," Lan Si quickly cleaned up the tools on his desk, freshened up, and headed out.
An hour later, after gathering their supplies, Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, and Lan Si boarded a carriage bound for the Soul Beast Hunting Forest.
"Xiao San, this is for you," Yu Xiaogang said, glancing at Lan Si with a slight smirk as he handed a jade belt to Tang San.
"Teacher, what is this?" Tang San asked curiously.
Yu Xiaogang smiled and began explaining the concept of a soul guide.
Tang San was deeply moved and almost called Yu Xiaogang "Father" in gratitude.
"Lan Si, do you want me to store your luggage in the soul guide?" Tang San asked, turning to him.
"No need. I have my own," Lan Si said, raising his left hand to reveal the Heart of the Ocean and storing his belongings within.
Tang San nodded, not giving it much thought. Considering Lan Si lived in a single dorm room and owned a soul guide, it didn't seem unusual.
Yu Xiaogang, however, furrowed his brow. "Lan Si, did your teacher give that to you?"
Lan Si replied, "No, it was left to me by my parents."
Hearing this, Yu Xiaogang relaxed and continued, "Lan Si, could you show me your martial soul? We're about to enter the Soul Beast Hunting Forest, and I'd like to assess it so I can help guide you."
"Sure," Lan Si agreed without hesitation. It wasn't a big secret, and Yu Xiaogang would find out sooner or later.
He raised his right hand, activating his Sacred Universe Technique. A soft white glow appeared, and a mundane green lotus, surrounded by a pale white flame, manifested in his palm.
"A plant-based martial soul with flames—quite unusual," Yu Xiaogang muttered, his expression turning serious as he scrutinized the lotus.
Tang San was also intrigued, watching closely. After a while, he asked, "Teacher, can you tell what it is?"
Yu Xiaogang pondered for a moment, first nodding, then shaking his head. "I've never seen this type of martial soul recorded in any of the books I've read. The pale flame seems weak, without any real heat."
As he spoke, he reached out to touch the white flame. A flicker of deep disappointment flashed across his eyes.
Initially, Yu Xiaogang had considered taking Lan Si as a disciple. But now that the martial soul didn't meet his expectations, he was no longer interested. It wasn't strong enough to support his theories.
It was a good thing he hadn't given Lan Si the second soul guide he had prepared, or he would have felt cheated.
Still, since he had promised Director Su he would help Lan Si obtain a spirit ring, Yu Xiaogang reluctantly offered advice, "It seems you're suited to being a support-type soul master. I recommend you seek out a spirit power-enhancing wood-type spirit beast to get a healing or support ability."
Lan Si almost laughed out loud. This was a true "master"—changing his attitude as quickly as flipping a coin.
The first time they met, when Yu Xiaogang heard Lan Si had a fifth-level innate soul power, he left in frustration.
The second time, Yu Xiaogang was full of arrogance.
Now his suggestion felt like charity.
If Lan Si used the full power of his Sacred Universe Technique, did Yu Xiaogang really think his hand would have been unharmed after touching the flame? In his previous world, Li Siyuan, a peak martial artist, had vaporized a snake as thick as a man's arm with his flame. Although Lan Si's cultivation was still shallow, he could certainly release flames as hot as ordinary fire.
The Soul Beast Hunting Forest was about 400 li(200km) from Nuoding Academy. It wasn't far but wasn't particularly close either. Along the way, Yu Xiaogang talked at length to Tang San about his theories, clearly proud of his own knowledge.
Meanwhile, Lan Si quietly read a book his parents had left behind, searching for a spirit beast that would suit him.
By noon the next day, the three finally arrived at the Soul Beast Hunting Forest.